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French Prime Minister Manuel Valls has raised the nation's security to its highest level of "attack alert" following a Wednesday morning shooting spree in Paris that left a dozen people dead, according to CNN's Greg Botelho.
The three suspects remain on the loose.
As a result of the violent attack and elevated alert, "there will be reinforced security at media company offices, major stores, religious centers and on public transport," according to a statement from the Prime Minister's office.
In addition to railway stations, local tourist attractions have also seen reinforced security. Among the most popular tourist attractions worldwide, the Eiffel Tower is under close watch from heavily armed soldiers in the wake of the incident.
In what French officials believe to be an act of terrorism, a group of hooded gunmen opened fire inside the office of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, killing four cartoonists and eight others before emerging onto the streets in the city's 11th district.
"We need to find the actors of this terrorist act," said French President Francois Hollande. "They must be arrested and brought before judges and condemned as quickly as possible. France is shocked today."
In response to the attack, additional police officers will be sent to "sensitive sites" throughout New York City, including the French Consulate. However, CNN reports that there is currently no "known threat" to New York.
President Barack Obama has already condemned the attack and offered to lend support to the U.S. ally, saying "time and again, the French people have stood up for the universal values that generations of our people have defended. France, and the great city of Paris where this outrageous attack took place, offer the world a timeless example that will endure well beyond the hateful vision of these killers."
It remains to be seen what impact Wednesday's horrifying attack will have on travel and tourism in Paris and other parts of France. Nonetheless, the concern is with the health and safety of those affected at this time.
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